A Palestinian soap opera writer finds his voice in this ingenious satire that comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the lightest of touches. Salam (Kais Nashif) is a thirtysomething slacker who must travel through Israeli checkpoints every day on his commute to Ramallah to work on the popular soap opera "Tel Aviv On Fire", produced by his uncle. Set in the time period leading up to the Six-Day War in 1967, the central romance of the soap, between an Israeli general and an Egyptian spy, has transfixed Jewish and Muslim fans alike. Among the former group is the wife of checkpoint commander Assi. To impress her, Assi corners Salam and pressures him to manipulate certain plot points. Meanwhile, Palestinian sponsors have their own demands, as does its diva-like star. Pulled in different directions and attempting to please all sides, Salam only wants to kickstart his career and rekindle a romance with former flame Mariam.

Winner: Best Actor, Orizzonti, Venice; Best Film, Haifa; Ophir Award for Best Script

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize

Writer/director Sameh Zoabi is expected to be in attendance on January 6 and 7.